Chlamydia is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the UK. It can affect people of any age but is particularly common among those under 25. Despite how widespread it is, many people remain unaware they have it – not because they aren’t paying attention, but because chlamydia often causes no noticeable symptoms.
When symptoms do appear, they can vary depending on whether someone has a penis or a vagina. They may be mild, easy to overlook, or mistaken for other conditions like urinary tract infections. That’s why testing remains the only reliable way to know for sure.
Here we explain the most common chlamydia symptoms, the importance of recognising subtle changes, and why routine, confidential testing is key to protecting both your health and your partner’s.
Pain or Burning During Urination
One of the earliest signs of chlamydia is discomfort when passing urine. This can feel like a stinging, burning, or painful sensation in the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body).
This symptom affects both men and women and is often mistaken for a urinary tract infection (UTI). Unlike a UTI, however, the discomfort linked to chlamydia doesn’t usually come with an urgent need to urinate more often.
Because the symptom can be subtle at first, people sometimes dismiss it or assume it will resolve on its own. Yet persistent pain when urinating is always worth getting checked. A simple STI test can confirm whether the cause is chlamydia or something else entirely. Testing ensures the right support can be given and helps avoid complications linked to untreated infections.
Unusual Vaginal or Penile Discharge
Changes in discharge are another common sign of chlamydia. In women, this may mean a change in vaginal discharge that is thicker, has an unusual smell, or appears more cloudy than normal. In men, it may present as clear, white, or yellow discharge from the penis, often most noticeable in the morning.
It’s important not to ignore even mild changes. While discharge can be influenced by many factors – including hormonal changes or other minor infections – new or unusual patterns should be taken seriously.
Discharge related to chlamydia occurs because the infection irritates the urethra or cervix, leading to excess fluid. Testing is the only way to confirm whether chlamydia is the cause, which is why sexual health professionals encourage people to take note of subtle differences rather than waiting for symptoms to become more obvious.
Pain During Sex
For people with vaginal anatomy, pain during sex (dyspareunia) can sometimes be linked to chlamydia. The infection may cause inflammation of the cervix, making penetrative sex uncomfortable or painful.
This is a symptom that many attribute to other causes, such as vaginal dryness, hormonal changes, or stress. However, if pain during sex is new, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms like unusual discharge or bleeding afterwards, it’s sensible to arrange a test.
It’s also worth remembering that pain during sex isn’t “normal”, and it doesn’t have to be tolerated. Seeking advice from a GP or sexual health clinic can help to identify whether chlamydia or another condition is behind the discomfort.
Bleeding Between Periods
Spotting or bleeding between periods can sometimes indicate chlamydia. This bleeding is often light and may occur after sex or at random times between menstrual cycles.
While irregular bleeding has several possible explanations – including hormonal contraceptives or natural cycle changes – chlamydia should be considered as one potential cause, especially if it happens alongside other symptoms.
Because the symptom can be subtle, it is sometimes ignored. But changes to menstrual patterns or unexpected bleeding should always be discussed with a healthcare professional. Regular cervical screening is also important, as bleeding can be linked to other conditions.
Even if the bleeding seems minor, arranging a test provides peace of mind and ensures that infections are identified and managed before they have the chance to cause longer-term problems.
Lower Abdominal Pain
Some women with chlamydia experience pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis. While mild cramps may not seem unusual, persistent pain can sometimes indicate the infection has spread upwards into the reproductive organs. This can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can cause more serious complications if left untreated.
PID may present with abdominal pain, fever, or discomfort during sex. Because symptoms overlap with other conditions, only a clinician can confirm the cause through testing and examination.
If abdominal pain is severe, sudden, or accompanied by fever or vomiting, urgent medical review is needed. While chlamydia is one possible cause, these signs may point to other conditions requiring prompt attention.
Noticing early warning signs like mild but persistent abdominal discomfort is an important reason to seek confidential testing and advice, rather than waiting until symptoms escalate.
Testicular Pain or Swelling
In men, untreated chlamydia can sometimes lead to pain or swelling in the testicles. This may signal a condition called epididymitis, where the tubes that carry sperm become inflamed.
Testicular discomfort may begin as a dull ache or sense of heaviness and can worsen over time. Swelling on one side, tenderness, or pain during ejaculation may also occur.
Although these symptoms are not always caused by chlamydia, they should never be ignored. Testicular pain can result from a range of conditions – some requiring urgent care – so prompt consultation is always best.
Testing for chlamydia is straightforward and can help rule out infection as the cause, making it easier to explore other possible explanations and receive the right care quickly.
Often No Symptoms at All
One of the most important things to know about chlamydia is that many people don’t experience any symptoms at all. Research suggests that up to 70% of women and 50% of men with chlamydia may be completely asymptomatic.
This silence makes routine testing vital. Without testing, infections can go unnoticed for months or even years. Left untreated, chlamydia can sometimes lead to complications, including pelvic inflammatory disease in women and reduced fertility in men.
Regular testing helps protect both individual health and partner wellbeing. In the UK, free and confidential testing is widely available through NHS sexual health clinics, pharmacies, and reputable online providers. At WePrescribe, we also provide discreet access to information, guidance or treatment for chlamydia to support those seeking private advice.
Being proactive with testing should never be seen as shameful – it’s simply a responsible way to take care of your sexual health.
Chlamydia is common, but its symptoms are often overlooked – or absent altogether. From discomfort when urinating to unusual discharge, pain during sex, abdominal pain, or testicular swelling, recognising potential warning signs is important. But even without any symptoms, regular testing remains the only way to know for sure.
If you’re sexually active, particularly with new or multiple partners, testing is a routine part of protecting your health. It’s confidential, quick, and gives peace of mind.
At WePrescribe, we understand the need for discreet, judgment-free advice, so feel free when you’re ready to contact us to learn more about accessing safe, professional support.
